From left to right: Will Croswell, of the Washington D.C. area; Andrew Butash, of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Byron Hodkinson, from Melbourne, Austrailia; and Charlie Smith, also from the Washington D.C. area, greeted Sen. Obama in Virginia Friday. (Photo Credit: Sasha Johnson/CNN)

ROANOKE, Virginia (CNN) - The new symbol of the McCain campaign: the plunger.

As Democratic nominee Barack Obama pulled into the Roanoke Civic Center on Friday, he was greeted by the usual McCain campaign supporters that show at Obama rallies. But this time, those waving McCain-Palin signs were joined by dozens of people waving standard-issue plungers. Some wore white t-shirts emblazoned with "I AM JOE THE PLUMBER" on the front. The protesters all said they were volunteers and not paid by the McCain campaign.

The plungers serve as a reference to the 2008 campaign's latest cult personality, Joe "the Plumber" Wurzelbacher of Holland Ohio. (Joe is actually his middle name. First name: Samuel).

While the plungers emerged in Roanoke, McCain's vice presidential running mate Sarah Palin told a fundraiser in neighboring North Carolina Thursday night that she's already tired of "Joe the Plumber."

"Don't make me say Joe the Plumber, please, in any speeches," Palin said.

soundoff(219 Responses)

Of course, Sarah Palin is tired of Joe the Plummer. She is jealous of the spotlight being on someone else. She likes being the center of attention and wants the spotlight to be focused on her.

October 17, 2008 12:47 pm at 12:47 pm |

JD

Well, if they were truly Joe the Plumber, they would realize they would be saving money under Barack's plan, just like he admitted today.

October 17, 2008 12:47 pm at 12:47 pm |

j

I bet they aren't real plumbers either. McCain the fraud, perpetrating a fraud that was so easy to uncover. Joe "the plumber" as it turns out isn't a plumber, isn't interested in buying a business, owes back taxes, and only makes about 40K a year (not 250K). He would be better off under Obama's tax plan, if only he were smart enough to figure that out.

I believe they should be using those plungers on the McCain campaign that's in the toilet.

October 17, 2008 12:48 pm at 12:48 pm |

Eight Is Truly Enough

I wouldn't get too cute with those plungers guys. Good old Joe has turned into "Say It Ain't So Joe" . LOL By the way...Palin can make SNL but not Meet The Press? Now THAT'S a real story.

October 17, 2008 12:49 pm at 12:49 pm |

Bulldog

These guys need to do something useful like unclog some toilets.

October 17, 2008 12:49 pm at 12:49 pm |

Kevin

is the plunger a reference to McCain's campaign going down the tubes?

October 17, 2008 12:50 pm at 12:50 pm |

AudreyMarie

McCain has become desparate and sleazy. I received a robocall about Obama and it should be illegal to do this and lie. Can this be stopped. McCain you are a sleaze . I have no better word for you. Instead of knocking jdown a man why don't you stand up like a man and talk positively about what you will do for our country besides negative talk. This is worse then pig with lipstick talk. I am ashamed of you John and you have lost my vote.l
And palin we all know she lies. But this is not how to win.

October 17, 2008 12:50 pm at 12:50 pm |

Elaine

For once I agree with Palin about being tired of the Joe the Plumber fixation.

October 17, 2008 12:51 pm at 12:51 pm |

Stupid is as stupid does

Joe was a fraud, and was a Republican plant that is starting to backfire.

October 17, 2008 12:51 pm at 12:51 pm |

Matt

Hehe...McCain and Palin need to distance themselves from that goof they planted at an Obama event and their supporters are going to ruin it for them.

October 17, 2008 12:52 pm at 12:52 pm |

Big Blue

As a Plimber myself I like this and to my brother plumbers out there.... Stay Stong and let's get Obama elected.

October 17, 2008 12:52 pm at 12:52 pm |

David from OHIO

If you the real Joe the plumber, earning the average wages for the plumber, Obama tax cuts will definitely benefit. YES that is TRUE.

October 17, 2008 12:52 pm at 12:52 pm |

LF

I guess whoever wins will cary a plunger to unstop the negative direction in which we're going. Will it be Obama or McCain–Of course the best guy to win. I don't think it will be Ralph Nader because his platform is environment and safe cars.

Obama will probably succeed according to the present polls, and Powell will probably endorse him. 19 days left, so get out the vote America.

October 17, 2008 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |

SB

Please tell me the tide is not turning back to McCain. This happens every election. Just when theres a chance for positive change, Lee Greeenwood starts singing "Proud to be an American" and the country caves to the inbred racist, cling to your guns and religion that is the reaso nwhy the rest of the world hates us. You may all get exactly what you deserve.

October 17, 2008 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |

Stacy (PA)

The fact that they have to carry around plungers says it all considering McCain's campaign is in the toilet. LOL

Go Obama!

October 17, 2008 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |

bridgette

They don't even realize that Obama's plan will help them. McCain has no plans to help them and actually no intentions to help them. I hope they see this picture and realize how stupid they look.

October 17, 2008 12:54 pm at 12:54 pm |

FAYE, NV

While they are there at the Obama rally maybe they will listen and see who has the better plan.

Obama/Biden

October 17, 2008 12:54 pm at 12:54 pm |

Bill

wow. how do those guys run businesses that net over $250 000 a year and still have time to dress up in costumes and stand on the side of the road?

October 17, 2008 12:56 pm at 12:56 pm |

mmd

This is beyond dumb. I am at a loss for words. Hurry, Nov 4, goodbye mccain palin and joe the plumber..

October 17, 2008 12:56 pm at 12:56 pm |

Bring America Back!

Joe-the-plumber is just another distraction. People, please keep your minds on the issues and not fall for all this fodder... There are more intelligent things to be discussed. Such as who is going to be the better POTUS come 2 1/2 weeks.

October 17, 2008 12:56 pm at 12:56 pm |

adg

These must be guys who dont pay there taxes either or get there facts checked that Obama is giving them a tax cut!!! so sad!